Kemin Industries Acquires Hennessy Research Associates

The global ingredient manufacturer adds veterinary contract research and vaccine manufacturing to its portfolio of products and solutions in the animal health industry 

DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hennessy Research Associates, LLC.

Based in Lenexa, Kansas—known in the U.S. as the "animal health corridor"—Hennessy Research Associates specializes in the research and development of vaccines for infectious diseases of animals. As a part of its specialization, Hennessy Research Associates' team of scientists is skilled in biological manufacturing processes, in vitro test development, lab animal and host animal challenge model development, and USDA ELISA Reference Requalification methods. The team works closely with client company scientists, technicians, and regulatory personnel to bring an optimized production process to the client's manufacturing site.

"As Kemin continues to expand our offerings in animal vaccines, the acquisition of Hennessy Research Associates allows us to strengthen our position in the U.S. and global animal health markets with additional expertise and science-backed research that is critical to ensure the health and welfare of animals worldwide," said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO, Kemin Industries. "We look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Hennessy and her team of experts in serving our current and future customers."

Hennessy Research Associates was founded in 2001 by Dr. Kristina J. Hennessy, who has more than 30 years of experience in animal health research and product development, holds several product patents for addressing infectious diseases in animals, and is Board-Certified in Immunology by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. She and her team have created a legacy of innovative solutions that will enhance Kemin's capabilities in the veterinary industry.

"I created Hennessy Research Associates to focus on research and the power of science to improve animal health and wellness," said Dr. Hennessy. "Along with my team that started and grew the company to what it is today, I'm proud to say that together we've built a world-class R&D organization that truly improves animals' lives. Knowing that Kemin shares our passion for taking care of people, animals, pets, and the planet, it was the only company that I would entrust with my team and the innovation we've created. This acquisition is a transformational time for our team and the future of vaccine advancements."

Hennessy Research Associates will operate in the Kemin ecosystem, specializing in veterinary biologicals as a Contract Research Organization (CRO), Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), and Contract Manufacturer (CMO).

Kemin's global animal vaccine business unit, Kemin Biologics, provides high-quality, safe, and cost-effective vaccine development and manufacturing within the animal health industry. With this acquisition, Kemin expands its portfolio to include contract vaccine research, development, and manufacturing, along with more than 50 team members of tenured scientists from Hennessy Research Associates.

About Kemin Industries

Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textile, biofuel, and animal vaccine industries.

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety, and efficacy of food, feed, and health-related products.

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 3,000 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States. 

About Hennessy Research Associates

Hennessy Research Associates (www.hennessyresearch.com) specializes in the Research & Development and manufacturing of vaccines for infectious diseases of animals. As a part of this specialization, Hennessy Research Associates develops biological manufacturing processes, in vitro test development, lab animal and host animal challenge model development, and USDA ELISA Reference Requalification methods. Hennessy Research Associates works closely with client company scientists, technicians, and regulatory personnel to bring an optimized production process to the client's manufacturing site.

Hennessy Research Associates' goal is to provide our clients and the animal health industry with high-quality, safe, dependable, and cost-effective products and tools that ensure the health and welfare of animals worldwide. Hennessy Research Associates focuses on delivering services that meet rigorous standards and exceed the expectations of our clients in the animal health industry.

Media Contact: 
Lauren M.G. Burt, Head of Global Corporate Affairs | [email protected], +1 (515) 249-4219

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SOURCE Kemin Industries